To understand what happens during a chiropractic adjustment and why you may need one, it is necessary to first understand the philosophy and goals of chiropractic care. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges defines chiropractic as follows:
“Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, doctors of chiropractic recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.”
Chiropractic care promotes healthy living by working to remove obstacles that prevent the body from functioning at an optimal level. Proper spine alignment is critical. The nervous system controls every cell and organ in the body. When the vertebrae shift out of place for any reason (an injury, weak soft tissue, a degenerative disk, poor posture, inflammation, etc.), this is called a subluxation. The subluxation causes nerves to become irritated and interferes with communication between your brain and the rest of your body. This can cause everything from back pain and headaches to stomach problems and poor sleep.
When a subluxation is diagnosed, a chiropractor may perform a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation. This is a controlled, sudden force applied to a spinal joint to mobilize the joint space. There are also non-force techniques, such as Activator and Decompression. The spine is freed to move properly and the nervous system to function as it should without interference.
Someone with an acute issue, like pain caused by an injury or accident, could find the relief they need after a few visits. Someone dealing with a chronic condition may probably require ongoing treatment. Someone who feels great may have regular chiropractic adjustments in order to stay healthy. Remember, chiropractic is about maintaining good health, not just treating an unhealthy condition. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor with the education and experience to know what’s best for the individual and can offer the right treatment.
Want to know more about what happens when you get a chiropractic adjustment? Call McKim Chiropractic for more information about how we can help relieve your pain with chiropractic adjustments and to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractic doctors. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the residents of Nampa, ID achieve a pain-free life!
